UM: Looking back

In the early 1990s, the Hurricanes were the team in college football. They won national titles in 1987, 1989 and 1991, and played for another in 1992, losing to Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.

It has not been the same since.

Although Miami had an outside shot at another title after winning the Big East in 1994 before losing to Nebraska in the Orange Bowl, the 'Canes were headed for a fall.

Coach Dennis Erickson left the program, which soon went on NCAA probation and suffered through scholarship reductions. Miami was not eligible for a bowl following the 1995 season and suffered its only losing season of the decade, 5-6, in 1997.

Miami concluded the 1990s hopeful about the future, winning two bowl games but coming up short of a Big East title.